The roots of the Association go back to the early 1960's when children with developmental disabilities were excluded from public school services. Parents banded together to create schools in church basements or where ever they could get donated space. Parents provided transportation and raised funds to pay the teachers. Through the efforts of concerned parents, Ohio created County Boards of Developmental Disabilities (DD). The Holmes County Board of DD has grown to include Early Intervention Services, the School program, the Adult Day Program and Lynn Hope Industries, Service and Support Administration, family support services, transportation and residential supports.

Since the 1960's, the Association has changed their name several times but their support for services for people with disabilities has never wavered. In 1977, the first Spring Festival was started. Through raffles, donations, bake sales and games; parents raised $4,000. Most recently $200,000 was raised over one weekend where activities included a bake sale, meals, a craft auction, a furniture auction, a quilt auction and a silent auction.